Georg Friedrich Händel’s great choral oratorio, “Israel in Egypt” is the most valuable gift the composer ever gave to choral music. The chorus functions as protagonist in this powerful work, which tells the Old Testament story of Exodus with telling dramatic intensity. Two multiple prize-winning, major ensemble, Concerto Köln, the well known period instrument ensemble and the Chor des Bayerischen Rundfunks, joined forces for the first time in November of 2008. The strong individual characteristics of the vocal soloists combine impressively with the chorus and orchestra for a multi-layered interpretation that is concurrently borne by a clear, common musical objective. This recording features the original three-part version from 1739.

Live-recording; Munich, Prinzregententheater, Nov. 2008

Booklet Notes: English, German, French

Libretto: English, German

Artists

Rosemary Joshua (soprano), Atsuko Suzuki (soprano), Gerhild Romberger (alto), Kobie van Rensburg (tenor), Simon Pauly (baritone), Thomas Hamberger (bass-baritone), Harald Hoeren (harpsichord) & Christoph Lehmann, Max Hanft (organ)

Chor des Bayerischen Rundfunks & Concerto Köln, Peter Dijkstra (director)